Looking for a local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Richmond. Check out this list of 25+ places where a lunch for one costs $15 or less. Plus, there are a few picks under $10 along the way.
⭐️ We’ll be dropping in with some reader-suggested shoutouts and editor picks — look for the star emoji.
Sandwiches, wraps + bowls
Blue Atlas, Fulton Hill
The dinner menu boasts some fine dining options, but lunch keeps things cool and casual with bahn mi sandwiches, wraps, and salads priced between $9 and $14.
Garnett’s, The Fan
Get takeout or sit at the diner-style counter. Almost all sandwiches range from $11 to $13 and come with a side. Tofurkey and gluten-free alternatives are available for a $1 upcharge.
Joe’s Inn, The Fan
The menu is a short novel to say the least, but if you want a classic lunch sandwich, show some local pride with the Sailor Sandwich for $12.50.
Kuba Kuba, The Fan
Pick between 10+ sandwich options, including a Cuban, Sloppy José, and Veggie-Q — all priced at $11.95
Philly Steak & Gyros, Carytown
Order the regular-size sub or wrap for $6.49, or make it a meal for $10.49.
Union Market, Union Hill
Most sandwiches and salads fall between $12 and $14. Save a few bucks with the Classic Toasty grilled cheese for $9. Substitute gluten-free bread for $1.50.
⭐️ Editor Elise: I’m a fan of the UMGC with mozzarella, parmesan, goat cheese pesto, tomato, red onion, Italian spices, and a drizzle of olive oil for $12.50.
Mr. Submarine, multiple locations
Looking to grab a bite without leaving your car? Mr. Submarine has you covered at both the drive-thru West Broad location and its spot south of the river.
88 Street Food, West Broad
This banh mi spot has fresh sandwiches with your choice of meat or tofu for under $10 each.
⭐️ Editor Elise: I love a bahn mi, but the Vietnamese coffee wins me over the most — the owner specifically suggests taking it to-go so you can savor it throughout the day.
Dawgs
City Dogs, The Fan
You can’t go wrong with a good ol’ city dog. “We offer an $8 lunch special, which includes your choice of hot dog, a side of chips, and an iced tea or soda.” Soy dog substitutes are available for an extra 50 cents.
⭐️ Shout out to General Manager, Caiti B. for this combo pick.
Mayor Meats, Carytown
Part restaurant, part butcher shop, all-day hot dogs. Order the Chili Dog for $12 or the BLT dogs for under $11.
Pop’s Dogs + Ma’s Burgers, Northside
Get two hot dogs, fries, and a drink for $7 — all day, every day. Grannie’s Junkyard Dog is a fan-favorite at this dive, boasting a hearty... 12 toppings.
Tacos
Big Chile, The Fan
Open for lunch at noon, strike a three-taco deal or grab a burrito bowl for $12.99.
Cochi Loco, Scott’s Addition
Only open for Friday + Saturday lunch, you can grab two tacos for $10.50 or three for $13.50 — from Carne Asada to Tacos Dorados made with Jalisco-style potato-fried tacos.
⭐️ Reader Manny V. brought our attention to this one.
El Pope, The Fan
Casual and charming, order yourself three tacos for $13 (with rice and beans) or three pupusas — a Salvadoran staple — for $12.
TBT El Gallo, Caytown/The Fan
Tacos run $5.50 a piece, and horchata is only $4.
⭐️ Editor Elise: I’ve tried to order a new taco every time I’ve visited, but the horchata and tres leche cake... I’ve sworn loyalty.
Pizza
Benny Ventano’s, The Fan
This regional pizza chain has kite-sized slices for $5 to 7. Grab a soda and slice for the road, and you can still come in under $10.
⭐️ If you’re feeling reckless, take on the Benny’s Challenge on your lunch break and try to finish a 28-inch pie in under 28 minutes.
Jo-Jo’s Famous NY Style Pizza & Subs, multiple locations
Grab a slice at the downtown location or try out the Midlothian spot. The lunch special includes two slices + a fountain drink for under $10.
Pupatella, The Fan
The lunch special offers a Classica Doc Pizza + a drink for $10 or a Diavola or Pepperoni + an Arancini or a Panzarotti for $11.
Zorch Pizza, Carytown
Swing by to get a New York Style slice. Try this: The White Out signature pizza has caramelized onions, basil, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan — enjoy it for $5.25.
Are you craving pizza now? Plot on dinner next, and check out our guide to the best slices in town.
Fill’er up plates
Abuelita’s, Midlothian
We suggest the platillo chico at this Southside Mexican restaurant — one serving of guiso (stew), rice, beans, and tortillas, all for $11.
Anokha Cuisine of India, Short Pump
For the next time you’re running errands in Short Pump. “For $13 to $15 you get a soup or salad, an entree, unlimited basmati rice + butter naan, and a dessert. I had to take home my leftovers!”
⭐️ We loved this review from reader Robert S., who ordered the lamb korma entree, followed by coconut ice cream for dessert.
Eat 33, Staples Mill
Check the restaurant’s Facebook for daily lunch specials, ranging from BBQ ribs and po-boys to veggie platters, all falling under $15.
⭐️ Readers Pete M. and Roma C. both tipped us off to the lunch deals at this spot.
Hondo’s Steakhouse, Glen Allen
Click on the online lunch menu, and the first thing you’ll see is “lunches under $13,” from Chicken Pot Pie to Coconut Shrimp, both served with sides and under $13.
Jamaica House, Jackson Ward
Bowls, sandwiches, and the smaller entree portions at this flavor paradise downtown are perfect for lunch and for your budget.
⭐️ Reader Atiba M. recommends the jerk or curry plate for $8.
Mama J’s, Jackson Ward
For a soul-filled lunch, go for the starters — catfish nuggets are $9 — or mix-and-match some sides. $12 can get you macaroni and cheese ($5), collard greens ($5), and two corn muffins ($1 each).
Texas Inn, Museum District
The whole menu boasts diner-style digs under $15 — even $10 — and there are deals on top of that. “On Tuesdays, you can get two hot dogs and a drink for only $5.99. On Wednesdays, you can get two Westerns for $6.99.”
⭐️ Shoutout to owner Dave S. for the menu-scouting tips.
Trucks, carts, and carry-out
Ay Caramba, multiple locations
This Mexican food favorite has both a downtown food truck and a permanent location on East Grace Street. Swing by either for $3 tacos or loaded-up $8.50 burritos.
⭐️ Thanks to reader Laura H. for reaching out to us with this local pick.
Christopher’s Runaway Gourmay, multiple locations
This seasonal food cart fleet has locations at 12th and Marshall Street, 8th and Main Street, and 12th and Main Street.
⭐️ Reader Jenn E. notes that an $8.50 combo meal comes with a “hefty chunk of French bread.”
Prairie Grain Bread Co., Midlothian
Whether you’re craving straight carbs or feeling up to finishing the sandwich assembly at home, this bread shop can supply you with the fresh-baked loaves you need for under $7.
⭐️ Reader Debbie F. says, “their bread is freshly ground and baked each day on location.”
Proper Pie, Church Hill
A small-biz celebrity in RVA, order savory + sweet New Zealand-style pies via window service; Individual pies cost between $7 and $8, and they’re heartier than you’d expect.
⭐️ Editor Elise: The Pork + Peach BBQ pie has never let me down.
Share your fave local lunch deal
📥 All that, and we’ve barely scratched the surface. Drop us a line so we can add to our list.
